Costa Brava

The Costa Brava stretches from Blanes, north east of Barcelona, to the peaks of the Pyrenees that make up the Mediterranean border with France. It has rocky headlands, sandy coves and whitewashed fishing villages, like Cadaqués, made famous by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Inland medieval fortress towns, like Pals and Ullastret, overlook fields of maize and poppies. This is the Catalan region of Spain, where the proud inhabitants maintain their own culture, language and distinctive cuisine which includes rustic meat dishes and excellent seafood. The ancient Roman and Greek settlements at Empúries give us an insight into Spain’s historical importance. There are exceptional coastal walks and a day in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, should include a visit to Las Ramblas and Gaudi’s incredible La Sagrada Família cathedral.